Viewing / Visitation

Traditional time for friends and family to gather to support the family and pay their respects to the deceased. Normally with casket present and opened for those who need to view the body can do so. Usually one or two days for 3-4 hours at a time.

Traditional

The most common form of funeral, this type brings together friends and family of the deceased to pay respects and offer condolences. This funeral typically begins with a viewing with an open casket followed by service at a place of worship or a funeral home, followed by a procession as the deceased is transported to the final resting place, and then a final committal ceremony.

Graveside or Committal Service

This type of service is held at graveside before the body or urn is buried. Services are generally small in attendance, but usually are in addition to a visitation on the day before or the day of the service and in addition to the funeral service held at a church or chapel. The ceremony, called a committal, is often very short and takes place at the location of final resting place.

Memorial Service or Prayer Service

A service held in church, funeral chapel or other place providing a special time of remembrance and a celebration of the life of the deceased. May take place prior to cremation or after cremation with urn present. Often accompanied by photos of the deceased, music and videos. The urn is then either interred at a special site or given to a family member.

The memorial service is sometimes done at a later date after a direct burial or cremation, or when there is no body or remains of the deceased available.

Direct Burial or Cremation

This is a type of funeral without any form of service. It simply encompasses disposition of the deceased body through either burial or cremation.. It does not usually involve a visitation or invited guests. This funeral is used many times for individuals without family, or for people who cannot be identified and are simply in need of some form or disposition of remains.